US20010041030A1 - Connector assembly floating mount - Google Patents
Connector assembly floating mount Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20010041030A1 US20010041030A1 US09/741,528 US74152800A US2001041030A1 US 20010041030 A1 US20010041030 A1 US 20010041030A1 US 74152800 A US74152800 A US 74152800A US 2001041030 A1 US2001041030 A1 US 2001041030A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- substrate
- post
- channel
- fastening post
- housing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 94
- 230000036316 preload Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 claims description 26
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 16
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 16
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 15
- 239000013307 optical fiber Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003989 dielectric material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002991 molded plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/389—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs characterised by the method of fastening connecting plugs and sockets, e.g. screw- or nut-lock, snap-in, bayonet type
- G02B6/3893—Push-pull type, e.g. snap-in, push-on
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3873—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls
- G02B6/3874—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls using tubes, sleeves to align ferrules
- G02B6/3878—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls using tubes, sleeves to align ferrules comprising a plurality of ferrules, branching and break-out means
- G02B6/3879—Linking of individual connector plugs to an overconnector, e.g. using clamps, clips, common housings comprising several individual connector plugs
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3897—Connectors fixed to housings, casing, frames or circuit boards
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3873—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls
- G02B6/3885—Multicore or multichannel optical connectors, i.e. one single ferrule containing more than one fibre, e.g. ribbon type
Definitions
- This invention generally relates to the art of connector assemblies and, particularly, to a system for mounting one or more connecting devices to a substrate with relative floating movement therebetween.
- a typical fiber optic connector includes a ferrule which mounts and centers an optical fiber or fibers within the connector.
- the ferrule may be fabricated of such material as ceramic.
- a ferrule holder or other housing component of the connector embraces the ferrule and may be fabricated of such material as molded plastic.
- a spring may be disposed within the housing or ferrule holder such that the ferrule is yieldably biased forwardly for engaging another fiber-mounting ferrule of a mating connecting device.
- a pair of fiber optic connectors or a connector and another optical fiber transmission device often are mated in an adapter which centers the fibers to provide low insertion losses.
- the adapter couples the connectors together so that their encapsulated fibers connect end-to-end.
- the adapter may be an in-line component, or the adapter can be designed for mounting in an opening in a panel, backplane, circuit board or the like.
- An object, therefore, of the invention is to provide a new and improved system for mounting a connecting device to a substrate with relative floating movement therebetween.
- Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved system for mounting a pair of connecting devices on a substrate one on top of another.
- the system includes a connector housing adapted for mounting on the substrate and including at least one elongated channel in the side of the housing.
- the channel extends generally perpendicular to the substrate and has an elongated restricted mouth opening at a side thereof.
- An elongated fastening post is snap-fit into the channel past the restricted mouth to a preload position.
- a fastener is engaged with the substrate and is operatively associated with the fastening post for tightening the post against the substrate.
- a cross-dimension of the channel is larger than a cross-dimension of the fastening post so that the post can float relative to the housing. Therefore, when the post is tightened against the substrate, the connector housing is left with floating movement relative to the substrate in a direction generally parallel to the substrate. It also is contemplated that the fastening post be longer than the channel to provide for floating movement of the housing relative to the substrate in a direction generally perpendicular to the substrate.
- the connector housing is adapted for mating with a complementary connecting device along an axis generally parallel to the substrate and perpendicular to the post-receiving channel.
- the larger cross-dimension of the channel is generally perpendicular to the mating axis whereby the housing floats in that direction.
- the cross-dimensions of the channel and the fastening posts are substantially equal in a direction generally parallel to the mating axis, whereby the housing is prevented from floating in that direction.
- fastening post having an internally threaded end near the substrate, and the fastener comprises an externally threaded bolt.
- the fastening post has enlarged heads at opposite ends thereof engageable with stop surfaces on the connector housing at opposite ends of the channel.
- the fastening bolt has a socket in an end thereof remote from the substrate for holding the post to facilitate tightening the post against the substrate.
- each connecting device includes the same connector housing.
- the elongated fastening post is long enough to snap into the channels in both housings.
- the post includes means for spacing the housings of the devices from each other.
- a pair of the connecting devices again are stacked on the substrate one on top of another.
- the elongated fastening post comprises a first fastening post and is snap-fit into the channel in the connector housing of the bottom-most connecting device adjacent the substrate.
- a bridging bracket is secured to the substrate and extends over the bottom-most connecting device.
- a second elongated fastening post is secured to the bridging bracket and is snap-fit into a channel in the connector housing of a top-most connecting device above the bridging bracket.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a mating connector assembly incorporating the concepts of the invention, with the assembly in unmated condition;
- FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the mating connector assembly as shown in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mating connector assembly of FIG. 1, in mated condition
- FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the daughterboard connector assembly as seen to the right in FIGS. 1 and 2;
- FIGS. 5 A- 5 C are a side elevational view, top plan view and axial sectional view, respectively, of one of the elongated fastening posts;
- FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the daughterboard connector assembly, partially broken away to show the amount of floating between the connector assembly and the substrate generally parallel to the substrate;
- FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the daughterboard connector assembly, partially broken away and in section to show the amount of floating movement between the connector assembly and the substrate in a direction generally perpendicular to the substrate;
- FIG. 8 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1, but of a second embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 9 is a view similar to that of FIG. 2, but of the second embodiment
- FIG. 10 is a view similar to that of FIG. 3, but of the second embodiment
- FIG. 11 is a view similar to that of FIG. 4, but of the second embodiment
- FIGS. 12 A- 12 C are views similar to FIGS. 5 A- 5 C, respectively, but of the second embodiment
- FIG. 13 is a view similar to that of FIG. 7, but of the second embodiment
- FIG. 14 is a view similar to that of FIGS. 1 and 8, but of a third embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 15 is a view similar to that of FIGS. 4 and 11, but of the third embodiment of the invention.
- FIGS. 1 - 7 show a first embodiment of the invention
- FIGS. 8 - 13 show a second embodiment of the invention
- FIGS. 14 and 15 show a third embodiment of the invention.
- the invention is incorporated in a first embodiment of a mating connector assembly, generally designated 24 , which includes a backplane connector assembly, generally designated 26 , mateable with a daughterboard connector assembly, generally designated 28 .
- the backplane connector assembly is mounted in an aperture 30 in a substrate, panel or backplane 32 which, in the preferred embodiment, is a printed circuit board.
- backplane 32 can be considered the “motherboard” herein.
- the daughterboard connector assembly is mounted on a top surface of a second printed circuit board 34 which is considered the “daughterboard” herein.
- Backplane connector assembly 26 includes an adapter, generally designated 36 , which is mounted in aperture 30 in motherboard 32 .
- Four fiber optic connector modules, generally designated 38 are inserted into adapter 36 , through aperture 30 , from the front of backplane 32 .
- Each fiber optic connector module is terminated to a multi-fiber cable 40 .
- Each cable is a flat or “ribbon” cable having a plurality of optical fibers.
- daughterboard connector assembly 28 After daughterboard connector assembly 28 is mounted on daughterboard 34 , four fiber optic connector modules, generally designated 42 , are inserted into the back of the connector housing, as described hereinafter. Each module 42 is terminated to a flat, multi-fiber cable 44 similar to fiber optic cables 40 .
- Backplane connector assembly 26 and daughterboard connector assembly 28 are mateable in the direction of arrows “A” (FIGS. 1 and 2) to a mated condition shown in FIG. 3, wherein the fibers of cables 40 and 44 are functionally connected.
- Adapter 36 of the backplane connector assembly is fixed to backplane 32 by a pair of fasteners 46 .
- the adapter includes a housing 48 and a pair of flexible latch arms 50 spaced outwardly from opposite sides of the housing.
- the housing also has a pair of outwardly projecting alignment ribs 52 on opposite sides thereof.
- FIG. 1 where three intersecting arrows “X”, “Y” and “Z” are shown.
- Arrow “X” represents a direction generally parallel to daughterboard 34 .
- Arrow “Y” represents a direction generally perpendicular to the daughterboard.
- Arrow “Z” represents a direction generally parallel to the daughterboard but corresponding to the mating direction of the connector assemblies as described above by arrows “A”. In other words, direction “X” is transversely of the mating direction of the connector assemblies.
- FIG. 4 shows daughterboard connector assembly 28 to include a connector housing, generally designated 54 , adapted for mounting on top of daughterboard 34 .
- the housing is molded of dielectric material such as plastic or the like and includes four through passages or receptacles 56 for receiving fiber optic connector modules 42 in the direction of arrow “B”.
- the housing has a pair of forwardly projecting alignment flanges 58 at opposite sides thereof and between which housing 48 (FIG. 1) of adapter 36 is inserted.
- Alignment ribs 52 on opposite sides of the adapter housing ride into grooves 60 on the insides of alignment flanges 88 .
- a pair of latch ribs 62 also are provided on opposite sides of housing 54 for engagement by latch arms 50 of adapter 36 .
- a bottom flange 64 projects forwardly of housing 54 flush with a bottom surface 66 of the housing.
- the flange has a bottom hook portion 64 a and a top chamfered portion 64 b .
- the bottom hook portion overlaps an edge 68 of daughterboard 34 .
- the top chamfered portion is engageable by the front bottom edge of adapter housing 48 to prevent the bottom edge of the adapter housing from “stubbing” the front edge of the daughterboard during mating of the connector assemblies.
- connector housing 54 of daughterboard connector assembly 28 includes elongated channels, generally designated 70 , on opposite sides thereof for receiving a pair of elongated fastening posts, generally designated 72 .
- the fastening posts are snap-fit into the channels to preload positions so that they can be transported and manipulated as a subassembly with housing 54 .
- a pair of fasteners in the form of externally threaded bolts 74 are inserted from the bottom of daughterboard 34 in the direction of arrows “C”, through holes 76 in the daughterboard, and into the bottoms of fastening posts 72 , as will be seen in greater detail hereinafter.
- the bolts tighten fastening posts 72 to daughterboard 34 , leaving connector housing 54 (i.e., daughterboard connector assembly 28 ) with floating movement relative to the daughterboard, all of which will be seen hereinafter.
- FIGS. 5 A- 5 C show that each fastening post 72 is elongated, generally cylindrical and includes a pair of enlarged heads 78 at opposite ends thereof.
- the bottom of each fastening post is internally threaded, as at 80 , for receiving a respective one of the bolts 74 to tighten the fastening post onto the top of daughterboard 34 .
- the top of each fastening post includes a hexagonal socket 82 for receiving a wrench to prevent rotation of the fastening post while the bolt is threaded thereinto or to disassemble the assembly from the daughterboard if necessary.
- FIG. 6 shows how fastening posts 72 within channels 70 provide for floating movement of connector housing 54 and, therefore, daughterboard connector assembly 28 , relative to daughterboard 34 in the “X” direction described above, i.e., generally parallel to daughterboard 34 and generally perpendicular to the mating direction “Z” of the connector assemblies.
- each channel 70 has a restricted mouth 84 which is slightly narrower than the diameter of the respective fastening post 72 between heads 78 thereof. Therefore, the fastening posts can be snap-fit into the channels, past the restricted mouths 84 of the channels, to a preload position to facilitate handling and manipulation of the connector assembly without the fastening posts falling away therefrom.
- FIG. 6 shows that each fastening post 72 has a cross-dimension substantially equal to the cross-dimension of the interior of channel 70 in the “Z” direction. This prevents any floating movement of the housing relative to the daughterboard in the “Z” or mating direction of the connector assemblies.
- the cross-dimension of the interior of each channel 70 i.e., between restricted mouth 84 and a base or bottom 86 of the channel, is larger than the cross-dimension of the fastening post.
- This differential in the dimensions is shown by arrows “D”. This differential allows for floating movement of housing 54 and daughterboard connector assembly 28 relative to daughterboard 34 in the direction of arrow “X”, i.e., generally parallel to the daughterboard and generally perpendicular to the mating direction of the connector assemblies.
- FIG. 7 shows the amount of floating action between connector housing 54 and daughterboard connector assembly 18 relative to daughterboard 34 in a direction generally perpendicular to the daughterboard. More particularly, it can be seen that each fastening post 72 is longer than its respective channel 70 . Each channel has top and bottom ends 88 and 90 , respectively. Each fastening post 72 has enlarged heads 78 as described above. These heads abut opposite ends of the respective channel. However, it can be seen in FIG. 7 that bottom end 90 of the channel is recessed, as at 92 , to accommodate the bottom head 78 of the fastening post so that the connector housing can move flush downwardly onto the top of the daughterboard rather than constantly engaging the relatively small head of the fastening bolt.
- the length of the fastening bolt, between enlarged heads 78 is longer than the effective length of the post-receiving channel so that floating movement of connector housing 54 and daughterboard connector assembly 28 relative to daughterboard 34 is provided as indicated by arrows “E”.
- This floating movement is in the “Y” direction described above, i.e., generally perpendicular to daughterboard 34 and generally perpendicular to the mating direction of the connector assemblies as indicated by both arrows “A” and “Z”.
- FIGS. 8 - 13 show a second embodiment of the invention wherein a mating connector assembly, generally designated 24 A, includes a backplane connector assembly, generally designated 26 A, mateable with a daughterboard connector assembly, generally designated 28 A.
- Backplane connector assembly 26 A includes a pair of adapters 36 one on top of another and mounted in a pair of apertures 30 motherboard 32 .
- Daughterboard connector assembly 28 A includes a pair of connector housings 54 stacked one on top of the other on top of daughterboard 34 .
- connector assemblies 26 A and 28 A are the same as connector assemblies 26 and 28 described above in relation to FIGS. 1 - 7 . Consequently, like reference numerals have been applied in FIGS. 8 - 13 to refer to like components described above in relation to the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 - 7 . The descriptions and functions of those components will not be repeated in order to avoid unnecessarily expanding the specification.
- FIGS. 8 - 13 The major difference between the second embodiment of FIGS. 8 - 13 and the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 - 7 is that a single elongated fastening post, generally designated 72 A, is snap-fit in each pair of vertically aligned channels 70 of the pair of connecting housings 54 of daughterboard connector assembly 28 A.
- the pair of elongated fastening posts 72 A perform the dual function of mounting the connector housings on daughterboard 34 as well as stacking the housings one on top of another, and in a spaced relationship.
- Elongated fastening posts 72 A of the second embodiment are best shown in FIGS. 11 - 13 .
- each fastening post 72 A of the second embodiment is elongated, generally cylindrical and includes a pair of enlarged heads 78 at opposite ends thereof.
- the bottom of each fastening post is internally threaded, as at 80 , for receiving a respective one of the bolts 74 to tighten the fastening posts onto the top of daughterboard 34 .
- the top of each fastening post includes the hexagonal socket 82 for receiving a wrench to prevent rotation of the fastening post while the bolt is threaded thereinto or to disassemble the assembly from the daughterboard if necessary.
- each fastening post 72 A of the second embodiment includes a ring-like peripheral flange 96 projecting outwardly of the post generally equidistant between opposite ends of the post. As best seen in FIG. 13, flange 96 functions as a spacer to vertically space the pair of connector housings 54 from each other above daughterboard 34 .
- fastening posts 72 A of the second embodiment are dimensioned relative to channels 77 to provide for floating movement in the “X”, “Y” and “Z” directions.
- both connector housings 54 with or without modules 42 , can be assembled to a pair of fastening posts 72 A to comprise a subassembly for manipulation and handling.
- FIGS. 14 and 15 show a third embodiment of the invention which, like the second embodiment of FIGS. 8 - 13 , a daughterboard connector assembly 28 B is structured for stacking a pair of connector housings 54 one on top of another on top of daughterboard 34 .
- like reference numerals have been applied in FIGS. 14 and 15 to refer to like components described above in relation to the first and second embodiments of FIGS. 113.
- the respective descriptions of the structure and function of the components will not be repeated.
- a pair of the elongated fastening posts 72 of the first embodiment are snap-fit into channels 70 of each connector housing 54 to provide a pair of subsassemblies for handling and manipulation and to provide for floating movement of the connector housings relative to daughterboard 34 in the “X”, “Y” and “Z” directions.
- the bottom-most connector housing is connected to the daughterboard the same as described above in relation to the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 - 7 .
- FIG. 15 best shows the configuration of a bridging bracket, generally designated 98 , which mounts the top-most connector housing spaced above the bottom housing.
- the bridging bracket is configured in an inverted, generally U-shape, including a pair of depending leg portions 98 a joined by a bridge portion 98 b .
- a flange 98 c projects outwardly from the bottom of each leg portion and includes a pair of holes 100 for receiving a pair of bolt-like fasteners 102 projecting upwardly from daughterboard 34 .
- Holes 100 may be internally threaded for receiving externally threaded fasteners 102 .
- a pair of externally threaded fasteners 74 extend upwardly through bridge portion 98 b of bracket 98 for threading into fastening posts 72 of the top-most connector housing 54 .
- the bottom-most connector housing 54 is assembled to daughterboard 34 as shown in FIG. 15 the same as with the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 - 7 .
- Bridging bracket 98 then is assembled to the daughterboard by using fasteners 102 .
- the top connector housing 54 then is mounted on top of the bridging bracket.
- bridging bracket 98 could be assembled to the top connector housing by using fasteners 74 through bridge portion 98 b of the bracket before mounting to daughterboard 34 .
- the bracket and the top connector housing thereby, can comprise an additional subassembly to facilitate handling and manipulation and to more easily thread fasteners 74 from within the bridging bracket.
- FIGS. 8 - 13 In either the second embodiment of FIGS. 8 - 13 or the third embodiment of FIGS. 14 and 15, it can be seen that high density interconnections can be made on daughterboard 34 without using up additional space or “real estate” on the daughterboard or substrate.
- two or more connector housings can be stacked on top of each other, using the same amount of space on daughterboard 34 as a single connector housing.
- the connectors are spaced from each other and can work independently to increase the connection density without increasing the space on the subjacent substrate or daughterboard.
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- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
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- Coupling Device And Connection With Printed Circuit (AREA)
- Mechanical Coupling Of Light Guides (AREA)
- Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
Abstract
A system is provided for mounting a connecting device to a substrate with relative floating movement therebetween. The system includes a connector housing adapted for mounting on the substrate and including at least one elongated channel in a side of the housing. The channel extends generally perpendicular to the substrate and has an elongated restricted mouth opening at a side thereof. An elongated fastening post is snap-fit into the channel past the restricted mouth thereof to a preload position. A cross-dimension of the channel is larger than a cross-dimension of the fastening post so that the post can float relative to the housing. A fastener engages with the substrate and is operatively associated with the fastening post for tightening the post against the substrate, leaving the connector housing with floating movement relative to the substrate in a direction generally parallel to the substrate. The post may be longer than the channel to provide for floating movement of the housing relative to the substrate in a direction generally perpendicular to the substrate. In an alternative embodiment, at least a pair of connector housings are stacked on the substrate one on top of another. The elongated fastening post is long enough to snap-fit into the channels of both housings.
Description
- This is a continuation-in-part of co-pending application Ser. No. 09/568,517, filed May 9, 2000, and which is assigned to the Assignee of the present application.
- This invention generally relates to the art of connector assemblies and, particularly, to a system for mounting one or more connecting devices to a substrate with relative floating movement therebetween.
- Fiber optic connectors of a wide variety of designs have been employed to terminate optical fiber cables and to facilitate connection of the cables to other cables or other optical fiber transmission devices. A typical fiber optic connector includes a ferrule which mounts and centers an optical fiber or fibers within the connector. The ferrule may be fabricated of such material as ceramic. A ferrule holder or other housing component of the connector embraces the ferrule and may be fabricated of such material as molded plastic. A spring may be disposed within the housing or ferrule holder such that the ferrule is yieldably biased forwardly for engaging another fiber-mounting ferrule of a mating connecting device.
- A pair of fiber optic connectors or a connector and another optical fiber transmission device often are mated in an adapter which centers the fibers to provide low insertion losses. The adapter couples the connectors together so that their encapsulated fibers connect end-to-end. The adapter may be an in-line component, or the adapter can be designed for mounting in an opening in a panel, backplane, circuit board or the like.
- Various problems continue to be encountered in designing fiber optic connector assemblies or other connector assemblies, including applications involving backplanes, motherboards, daughterboards and the like. Such problems include properly and precisely placing a connector assembly on a substrate, such as a printed circuit board, accommodating misalignment of the connectors during mating, allowing relative floating movement between various components of the system and similar positional-type problems. Other problems simply involve efforts to simplify the design of connector assemblies. The present invention is directed to solving these problems and to providing various improvements in such connector assemblies, particularly in accommodating misalignment of the connectors during mating by providing relative floating movement of at least one of the connectors. Although the invention is shown herein embodied in a fiber optic connector assembly, the invention is equally applicable for use with other types of connector assemblies, such as electrical connector assemblies.
- An object, therefore, of the invention is to provide a new and improved system for mounting a connecting device to a substrate with relative floating movement therebetween.
- Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved system for mounting a pair of connecting devices on a substrate one on top of another.
- In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the system includes a connector housing adapted for mounting on the substrate and including at least one elongated channel in the side of the housing. The channel extends generally perpendicular to the substrate and has an elongated restricted mouth opening at a side thereof. An elongated fastening post is snap-fit into the channel past the restricted mouth to a preload position. A fastener is engaged with the substrate and is operatively associated with the fastening post for tightening the post against the substrate.
- As disclosed herein, a cross-dimension of the channel is larger than a cross-dimension of the fastening post so that the post can float relative to the housing. Therefore, when the post is tightened against the substrate, the connector housing is left with floating movement relative to the substrate in a direction generally parallel to the substrate. It also is contemplated that the fastening post be longer than the channel to provide for floating movement of the housing relative to the substrate in a direction generally perpendicular to the substrate.
- The connector housing is adapted for mating with a complementary connecting device along an axis generally parallel to the substrate and perpendicular to the post-receiving channel. The larger cross-dimension of the channel is generally perpendicular to the mating axis whereby the housing floats in that direction. The cross-dimensions of the channel and the fastening posts are substantially equal in a direction generally parallel to the mating axis, whereby the housing is prevented from floating in that direction.
- Other features of the invention include the fastening post having an internally threaded end near the substrate, and the fastener comprises an externally threaded bolt. The fastening post has enlarged heads at opposite ends thereof engageable with stop surfaces on the connector housing at opposite ends of the channel. The fastening bolt has a socket in an end thereof remote from the substrate for holding the post to facilitate tightening the post against the substrate.
- In another embodiment of the invention, at least a pair of the connecting devices are stacked on the substrate one on top of another. Each connecting device includes the same connector housing. The elongated fastening post is long enough to snap into the channels in both housings. The post includes means for spacing the housings of the devices from each other.
- In a third embodiment of the invention, a pair of the connecting devices again are stacked on the substrate one on top of another. The elongated fastening post comprises a first fastening post and is snap-fit into the channel in the connector housing of the bottom-most connecting device adjacent the substrate. A bridging bracket is secured to the substrate and extends over the bottom-most connecting device. A second elongated fastening post is secured to the bridging bracket and is snap-fit into a channel in the connector housing of a top-most connecting device above the bridging bracket.
- Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
- The features of this invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, together with its objects and the advantages thereof, may be best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like elements in the figures and in which:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a mating connector assembly incorporating the concepts of the invention, with the assembly in unmated condition;
- FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the mating connector assembly as shown in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mating connector assembly of FIG. 1, in mated condition;
- FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the daughterboard connector assembly as seen to the right in FIGS. 1 and 2;
- FIGS.5A-5C are a side elevational view, top plan view and axial sectional view, respectively, of one of the elongated fastening posts;
- FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the daughterboard connector assembly, partially broken away to show the amount of floating between the connector assembly and the substrate generally parallel to the substrate;
- FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the daughterboard connector assembly, partially broken away and in section to show the amount of floating movement between the connector assembly and the substrate in a direction generally perpendicular to the substrate;
- FIG. 8 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1, but of a second embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 9 is a view similar to that of FIG. 2, but of the second embodiment;
- FIG. 10 is a view similar to that of FIG. 3, but of the second embodiment;
- FIG. 11 is a view similar to that of FIG. 4, but of the second embodiment;
- FIGS.12A-12C are views similar to FIGS. 5A-5C, respectively, but of the second embodiment;
- FIG. 13 is a view similar to that of FIG. 7, but of the second embodiment;
- FIG. 14 is a view similar to that of FIGS. 1 and 8, but of a third embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 15 is a view similar to that of FIGS. 4 and 11, but of the third embodiment of the invention.
- Referring to the drawings in greater detail, FIGS.1-7 show a first embodiment of the invention; FIGS. 8-13 show a second embodiment of the invention; and FIGS. 14 and 15 show a third embodiment of the invention. Referring first to FIGS. 1-3, the invention is incorporated in a first embodiment of a mating connector assembly, generally designated 24, which includes a backplane connector assembly, generally designated 26, mateable with a daughterboard connector assembly, generally designated 28. The backplane connector assembly is mounted in an
aperture 30 in a substrate, panel orbackplane 32 which, in the preferred embodiment, is a printed circuit board. Specifically,backplane 32 can be considered the “motherboard” herein. The daughterboard connector assembly is mounted on a top surface of a second printedcircuit board 34 which is considered the “daughterboard” herein. -
Backplane connector assembly 26 includes an adapter, generally designated 36, which is mounted inaperture 30 inmotherboard 32. Four fiber optic connector modules, generally designated 38, are inserted intoadapter 36, throughaperture 30, from the front ofbackplane 32. Each fiber optic connector module is terminated to amulti-fiber cable 40. Each cable is a flat or “ribbon” cable having a plurality of optical fibers. - After
daughterboard connector assembly 28 is mounted ondaughterboard 34, four fiber optic connector modules, generally designated 42, are inserted into the back of the connector housing, as described hereinafter. Eachmodule 42 is terminated to a flat,multi-fiber cable 44 similar tofiber optic cables 40.Backplane connector assembly 26 anddaughterboard connector assembly 28 are mateable in the direction of arrows “A” (FIGS. 1 and 2) to a mated condition shown in FIG. 3, wherein the fibers ofcables -
Adapter 36 of the backplane connector assembly is fixed tobackplane 32 by a pair offasteners 46. The adapter includes ahousing 48 and a pair offlexible latch arms 50 spaced outwardly from opposite sides of the housing. The housing also has a pair of outwardly projectingalignment ribs 52 on opposite sides thereof. - At this point, reference is made to FIG. 1 where three intersecting arrows “X”, “Y” and “Z” are shown. Arrow “X” represents a direction generally parallel to
daughterboard 34. Arrow “Y” represents a direction generally perpendicular to the daughterboard. Arrow “Z” represents a direction generally parallel to the daughterboard but corresponding to the mating direction of the connector assemblies as described above by arrows “A”. In other words, direction “X” is transversely of the mating direction of the connector assemblies. - FIG. 4 shows
daughterboard connector assembly 28 to include a connector housing, generally designated 54, adapted for mounting on top ofdaughterboard 34. The housing is molded of dielectric material such as plastic or the like and includes four through passages or receptacles 56 for receiving fiberoptic connector modules 42 in the direction of arrow “B”. The housing has a pair of forwardly projectingalignment flanges 58 at opposite sides thereof and between which housing 48 (FIG. 1) ofadapter 36 is inserted.Alignment ribs 52 on opposite sides of the adapter housing ride intogrooves 60 on the insides ofalignment flanges 88. A pair oflatch ribs 62 also are provided on opposite sides ofhousing 54 for engagement bylatch arms 50 ofadapter 36. Abottom flange 64 projects forwardly ofhousing 54 flush with abottom surface 66 of the housing. The flange has abottom hook portion 64 a and a top chamferedportion 64 b. The bottom hook portion overlaps anedge 68 ofdaughterboard 34. The top chamfered portion is engageable by the front bottom edge ofadapter housing 48 to prevent the bottom edge of the adapter housing from “stubbing” the front edge of the daughterboard during mating of the connector assemblies. - The invention contemplates that
connector housing 54 ofdaughterboard connector assembly 28 includes elongated channels, generally designated 70, on opposite sides thereof for receiving a pair of elongated fastening posts, generally designated 72. As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, the fastening posts are snap-fit into the channels to preload positions so that they can be transported and manipulated as a subassembly withhousing 54. A pair of fasteners in the form of externally threadedbolts 74 are inserted from the bottom ofdaughterboard 34 in the direction of arrows “C”, throughholes 76 in the daughterboard, and into the bottoms offastening posts 72, as will be seen in greater detail hereinafter. The bolts tightenfastening posts 72 todaughterboard 34, leaving connector housing 54 (i.e., daughterboard connector assembly 28) with floating movement relative to the daughterboard, all of which will be seen hereinafter. - FIGS.5A-5C show that each
fastening post 72 is elongated, generally cylindrical and includes a pair ofenlarged heads 78 at opposite ends thereof. The bottom of each fastening post is internally threaded, as at 80, for receiving a respective one of thebolts 74 to tighten the fastening post onto the top ofdaughterboard 34. The top of each fastening post includes ahexagonal socket 82 for receiving a wrench to prevent rotation of the fastening post while the bolt is threaded thereinto or to disassemble the assembly from the daughterboard if necessary. - Generally, FIG. 6 shows how fastening posts72 within
channels 70 provide for floating movement ofconnector housing 54 and, therefore,daughterboard connector assembly 28, relative todaughterboard 34 in the “X” direction described above, i.e., generally parallel todaughterboard 34 and generally perpendicular to the mating direction “Z” of the connector assemblies. First of all, FIG. 6 shows that eachchannel 70 has a restrictedmouth 84 which is slightly narrower than the diameter of the respective fastening post 72 betweenheads 78 thereof. Therefore, the fastening posts can be snap-fit into the channels, past the restrictedmouths 84 of the channels, to a preload position to facilitate handling and manipulation of the connector assembly without the fastening posts falling away therefrom. - FIG. 6 shows that each
fastening post 72 has a cross-dimension substantially equal to the cross-dimension of the interior ofchannel 70 in the “Z” direction. This prevents any floating movement of the housing relative to the daughterboard in the “Z” or mating direction of the connector assemblies. On the other hand, the cross-dimension of the interior of eachchannel 70, i.e., betweenrestricted mouth 84 and a base or bottom 86 of the channel, is larger than the cross-dimension of the fastening post. This differential in the dimensions is shown by arrows “D”. This differential allows for floating movement ofhousing 54 anddaughterboard connector assembly 28 relative todaughterboard 34 in the direction of arrow “X”, i.e., generally parallel to the daughterboard and generally perpendicular to the mating direction of the connector assemblies. - Generally, FIG. 7 shows the amount of floating action between
connector housing 54 and daughterboard connector assembly 18 relative todaughterboard 34 in a direction generally perpendicular to the daughterboard. More particularly, it can be seen that eachfastening post 72 is longer than itsrespective channel 70. Each channel has top and bottom ends 88 and 90, respectively. Eachfastening post 72 has enlargedheads 78 as described above. These heads abut opposite ends of the respective channel. However, it can be seen in FIG. 7 thatbottom end 90 of the channel is recessed, as at 92, to accommodate thebottom head 78 of the fastening post so that the connector housing can move flush downwardly onto the top of the daughterboard rather than constantly engaging the relatively small head of the fastening bolt. In any event, the length of the fastening bolt, betweenenlarged heads 78, is longer than the effective length of the post-receiving channel so that floating movement ofconnector housing 54 anddaughterboard connector assembly 28 relative todaughterboard 34 is provided as indicated by arrows “E”. This floating movement is in the “Y” direction described above, i.e., generally perpendicular todaughterboard 34 and generally perpendicular to the mating direction of the connector assemblies as indicated by both arrows “A” and “Z”. - FIGS.8-13 show a second embodiment of the invention wherein a mating connector assembly, generally designated 24A, includes a backplane connector assembly, generally designated 26A, mateable with a daughterboard connector assembly, generally designated 28A.
Backplane connector assembly 26A includes a pair ofadapters 36 one on top of another and mounted in a pair ofapertures 30motherboard 32.Daughterboard connector assembly 28A includes a pair ofconnector housings 54 stacked one on top of the other on top ofdaughterboard 34. Otherwise,connector assemblies connector assemblies - The major difference between the second embodiment of FIGS.8-13 and the first embodiment of FIGS. 1-7 is that a single elongated fastening post, generally designated 72A, is snap-fit in each pair of vertically aligned
channels 70 of the pair of connectinghousings 54 ofdaughterboard connector assembly 28A. The pair ofelongated fastening posts 72A perform the dual function of mounting the connector housings ondaughterboard 34 as well as stacking the housings one on top of another, and in a spaced relationship. -
Elongated fastening posts 72A of the second embodiment are best shown in FIGS. 11-13. Like fastening posts 72 of the first embodiment, eachfastening post 72A of the second embodiment is elongated, generally cylindrical and includes a pair ofenlarged heads 78 at opposite ends thereof. The bottom of each fastening post is internally threaded, as at 80, for receiving a respective one of thebolts 74 to tighten the fastening posts onto the top ofdaughterboard 34. The top of each fastening post includes thehexagonal socket 82 for receiving a wrench to prevent rotation of the fastening post while the bolt is threaded thereinto or to disassemble the assembly from the daughterboard if necessary. Other than the fact that fastening posts 72A are longer than fasteningposts 72 to accommodate the pair of stacked connector housings, eachfastening post 72A of the second embodiment includes a ring-likeperipheral flange 96 projecting outwardly of the post generally equidistant between opposite ends of the post. As best seen in FIG. 13,flange 96 functions as a spacer to vertically space the pair ofconnector housings 54 from each other abovedaughterboard 34. - Like the first embodiment,
fastening posts 72A of the second embodiment are dimensioned relative to channels 77 to provide for floating movement in the “X”, “Y” and “Z” directions. In addition, bothconnector housings 54, with or withoutmodules 42, can be assembled to a pair offastening posts 72A to comprise a subassembly for manipulation and handling. - FIGS. 14 and 15 show a third embodiment of the invention which, like the second embodiment of FIGS.8-13, a
daughterboard connector assembly 28B is structured for stacking a pair ofconnector housings 54 one on top of another on top ofdaughterboard 34. Again, like reference numerals have been applied in FIGS. 14 and 15 to refer to like components described above in relation to the first and second embodiments of FIGS. 113. In addition, the respective descriptions of the structure and function of the components will not be repeated. - In the third embodiment of FIGS. 14 and 15, a pair of the elongated fastening posts72 of the first embodiment are snap-fit into
channels 70 of eachconnector housing 54 to provide a pair of subsassemblies for handling and manipulation and to provide for floating movement of the connector housings relative todaughterboard 34 in the “X”, “Y” and “Z” directions. The bottom-most connector housing is connected to the daughterboard the same as described above in relation to the first embodiment of FIGS. 1-7. - However, FIG. 15 best shows the configuration of a bridging bracket, generally designated98, which mounts the top-most connector housing spaced above the bottom housing. The bridging bracket is configured in an inverted, generally U-shape, including a pair of depending
leg portions 98 a joined by abridge portion 98 b. Aflange 98 c projects outwardly from the bottom of each leg portion and includes a pair ofholes 100 for receiving a pair of bolt-like fasteners 102 projecting upwardly fromdaughterboard 34.Holes 100 may be internally threaded for receiving externally threadedfasteners 102. A pair of externally threadedfasteners 74 extend upwardly throughbridge portion 98 b ofbracket 98 for threading intofastening posts 72 of thetop-most connector housing 54. - In assembling
daughterboard connector assembly 28B, thebottom-most connector housing 54 is assembled todaughterboard 34 as shown in FIG. 15 the same as with the first embodiment of FIGS. 1-7. Bridgingbracket 98 then is assembled to the daughterboard by usingfasteners 102. Thetop connector housing 54 then is mounted on top of the bridging bracket. In an alternative assembly procedure, bridgingbracket 98 could be assembled to the top connector housing by usingfasteners 74 throughbridge portion 98 b of the bracket before mounting todaughterboard 34. The bracket and the top connector housing, thereby, can comprise an additional subassembly to facilitate handling and manipulation and to more easilythread fasteners 74 from within the bridging bracket. - In either the second embodiment of FIGS.8-13 or the third embodiment of FIGS. 14 and 15, it can be seen that high density interconnections can be made on
daughterboard 34 without using up additional space or “real estate” on the daughterboard or substrate. With the second embodiment of FIGS. 8-13, two or more connector housings can be stacked on top of each other, using the same amount of space ondaughterboard 34 as a single connector housing. The connectors are spaced from each other and can work independently to increase the connection density without increasing the space on the subjacent substrate or daughterboard. - It will be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein.
Claims (33)
1. A system for mounting a connecting device to a substrate with relative floating movement therebetween, comprising:
a connector housing adapted for mounting on the substrate and including at least one elongated channel in a side of the housing, the channel extending generally perpendicular to the substrate and having an elongated restricted mouth opening at a side thereof;
an elongated fastening post snap-fit into the channel past the restricted mouth thereof to a preload position, a cross-dimension of the channel being larger than a cross-dimension of the fastening post so that the post can float relative to the housing; and
a fastener engaged with the substrate and operatively associated with the fastening post for tightening the post against the substrate, leaving the connector housing with floating movement relative to the substrate in a direction generally parallel to the substrate.
2. The system of wherein said fastening post has an internally threaded end near the substrate, and said fastener comprises an externally threaded bolt.
claim 1
3. The system of wherein said fastening post has enlarged heads at opposite ends thereof engageable with stop surfaces on the connector housing at opposite ends of the channel.
claim 1
4. The system of wherein said fastening post has a socket in an end thereof remote from the substrate for holding the post to facilitate tightening the post against the substrate.
claim 1
5. The system of wherein said fastening post is longer than said channel to provide for floating movement of the housing relative to the substrate in a direction generally perpendicular to the substrate.
claim 1
6. The system of wherein said connector housing is adapted for mating with a complementary connecting device along a mating axis generally parallel to the substrate and perpendicular to said channel, said larger cross-dimension of the channel being generally perpendicular to said mating axis whereby the housing floats in that direction.
claim 1
7. The system of wherein the cross-dimensions of the channel and the fastening post are substantially equal in a direction generally parallel to said mating axis whereby the housing is prevented from floating in that direction.
claim 6
8. The system of wherein at least a pair of the connector housings are stacked on the substrate one on top of another, and said elongated fastening post is long enough to snap-fit into said channels in both housings.
claim 1
9. The system of wherein said elongated fastening post includes means for spacing the housings from each other.
claim 8
10. The system of wherein at least a pair of connector housings are stacked on the substrate one on top of another, said elongated fastening post comprising a first fastening post and being snap-fit into the channel in a bottom-most connector housing adjacent the substrate, a bridging bracket secured to the substrate and extending over the bottom-most connector housing, and a second elongated fastening post secured to the bridging bracket and being snap-fit into the channel in the top-most connector housing above the bridging bracket.
claim 1
11. A system for mounting a connecting device to a substrate with relative floating movement therebetween, comprising:
a connector housing adapted for mounting on the substrate and including at least one elongated channel in a side of the housing, the channel extending generally perpendicular to the substrate;
an elongated fastening post mounted in the channel, the post being longer than the channel; and
a fastener engaged with the substrate and operatively associated with the fastening post for tightening the post against the substrate, leaving the connector housing with floating movement relative to the substrate in a direction generally perpendicular to the substrate.
12. The system of wherein a cross-dimension of the channel is larger than a cross-dimension of the fastening post so that the housing can float relative to the post in a direction generally parallel to the substrate.
claim 8
13. The system of wherein said connector housing is adapted for mating with a complementary connecting device along a mating axis generally parallel to the substrate and perpendicular to said channel, said larger cross-dimension of the channel being generally perpendicular to said mating axis whereby the housing floats in that direction.
claim 12
14. The system of wherein the cross-dimensions of the channel and the fastening post are substantially equal in a direction generally parallel to said mating axis whereby the housing is prevented from floating in that direction.
claim 12
15. The system of wherein said fastening post has an internally threaded end near the substrate, and said fastener comprises an externally threaded bolt.
claim 11
16. The system of wherein said fastening post has an enlarged head at least at one end thereof engageable with a stop surface on the connector at an end of the channel.
claim 11
17. The system of wherein said fastening post has a socket in an end thereof remote from the substrate for holding the post to facilitate tightening the post against the substrate.
claim 11
18. The system of wherein at least a pair of the connector housings are stacked on the substrate one on top of another, and said elongated fastening post is long enough to be mounted in the channels of both housings.
claim 11
19. The system of wherein said elongated fastening post includes means for spacing the housings from each other.
claim 18
20. The system of wherein at least a pair of connector housings are stacked on the substrate one on top of another, said elongated fastening post comprising a first fastening post and being mounted in the channel in a bottom-most connector housing adjacent the substrate, a bridging bracket secured to the substrate and extending over the bottom-most connector housing, and a second elongated fastening post secured to the bridging bracket and being mounted in the channel in the top-most connector housing above the bridging bracket.
claim 11
21. A system for mounting a connecting device to a substrate with relative floating movement therebetween, comprising:
a connector housing adapted for mounting on the substrate and including at least one elongated channel in a side of the housing, the channel extending generally perpendicular to the substrate;
an elongated fastening post mounted in the channel, a cross-dimension of the channel being larger than a cross-dimension of the fastening post so that the post can float relative to the housing; and
a fastener engaged with the substrate and operatively associated with the fastening post for tightening the post against the substrate, leaving the connector housing with floating movement relative to the substrate in a direction generally parallel to the substrate.
22. The system of wherein said fastening post has an internally threaded end near the substrate, and said fastener comprises an externally threaded bolt.
claim 21
23. The system of wherein said fastening post has an enlarged head at least at one end thereof engageable with a stop surface on the connector at an end of the channel.
claim 21
24. The system of wherein said fastening post has a socket in an end thereof remote from the substrate for holding the post to facilitate tightening the post against the substrate.
claim 21
25. The system of wherein at least a pair of the connector housings are stacked on the substrate one on top of another, and said elongated fastening post is long enough to be mounted in the channels of both housings.
claim 21
26. The system of wherein said elongated fastening post includes means for spacing the housings from each other.
claim 25
27. The system of wherein at least a pair of connector housings are stacked on the substrate one on top of another, said elongated fastening post comprising a first fastening post and being mounted in the channel in a bottom-most connector housing adjacent the substrate, a bridging bracket secured to the substrate and extending over the bottom-most connector housing, and a second elongated fastening post secured to the bridging bracket and being mounted in the channel in the top-most connector housing above the bridging bracket.
claim 21
28. A system for mounting a connecting device to a substrate with relative floating movement therebetween, comprising:
a connector housing adapted for mounting on the substrate and including at least one elongated channel in a side of the housing, the channel extending generally perpendicular to the substrate and having an elongated restricted mouth opening at a side thereof;
an elongated fastening post snap-fit into the channel past the restricted mouth thereof to a preload position whereby the housing and the fastening post comprise a subassembly for manipulation and handling; and
a fastener engaged with the substrate and operatively associated with the fastening post for tightening the post against the substrate.
29. The system of wherein said fastening post has an internally threaded end near the substrate, and said fastener comprises an externally threaded bolt.
claim 28
30. The system of wherein said fastening post has enlarged heads at opposite ends thereof engageable with stop surfaces on the connector housing at opposite ends of the channel.
claim 28
31. The system of wherein said fastening post has a socket in an end thereof remote from the substrate for holding the post to facilitate tightening the post against the substrate.
claim 28
32. The system of wherein at least a pair of connector housings are stacked on the substrate one on top of another, and said elongated fastening post is long enough to snap-fit into said channels in both housings.
claim 28
33. The system of wherein said elongated fastening post includes means for spacing the housings from each other.
claim 32
Priority Applications (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US09/741,528 US6592268B2 (en) | 2000-05-09 | 2000-12-19 | Connector assembly floating mount |
DE60131723T DE60131723T2 (en) | 2000-12-19 | 2001-12-17 | Floating mounted connector assembly |
EP01130007A EP1221630B1 (en) | 2000-12-19 | 2001-12-17 | Connector assembly floating mount |
JP2001402829A JP3780943B2 (en) | 2000-12-19 | 2001-12-18 | Floating mounting electrical connector device |
CNB011456930A CN1269271C (en) | 2000-12-19 | 2001-12-18 | Floating mounting for connector device |
KR10-2001-0081012A KR100443846B1 (en) | 2000-12-19 | 2001-12-19 | Connector assembly floating mount |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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US09/568,517 US6450698B1 (en) | 2000-05-09 | 2000-05-09 | Connector assembly floating mount |
US09/741,528 US6592268B2 (en) | 2000-05-09 | 2000-12-19 | Connector assembly floating mount |
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US09/568,517 Continuation-In-Part US6450698B1 (en) | 2000-05-09 | 2000-05-09 | Connector assembly floating mount |
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EP (1) | EP1221630B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP3780943B2 (en) |
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- 2001-12-17 DE DE60131723T patent/DE60131723T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2001-12-17 EP EP01130007A patent/EP1221630B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-12-18 CN CNB011456930A patent/CN1269271C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2001-12-18 JP JP2001402829A patent/JP3780943B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2001-12-19 KR KR10-2001-0081012A patent/KR100443846B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
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US8523458B2 (en) | 2010-03-19 | 2013-09-03 | Corning Incorporated | Fiber optic interface device with bent optical path |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
KR100443846B1 (en) | 2004-08-09 |
US6592268B2 (en) | 2003-07-15 |
EP1221630A3 (en) | 2004-07-21 |
DE60131723D1 (en) | 2008-01-17 |
EP1221630A2 (en) | 2002-07-10 |
DE60131723T2 (en) | 2008-11-06 |
KR20020050140A (en) | 2002-06-26 |
JP2002333551A (en) | 2002-11-22 |
CN1269271C (en) | 2006-08-09 |
JP3780943B2 (en) | 2006-05-31 |
EP1221630B1 (en) | 2007-12-05 |
CN1365167A (en) | 2002-08-21 |
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